Funds released for green projects

Bristol will receive £7 million of public money to fund a range of green projects including a schools programme to educate children about climate change, Chief Secretary to the Treasury Danny Alexander has announced.

The additional Treasury funding is designed to support the city as the 2015 European Green Capital and will go towards various projects, including a series of international summits on climate change, with attendees set to include the Prime Minister.

The money will also go towards an international clean technology festival, a Grass Roots Catalyst Fund to help develop sustainable urban living initiatives which can be applied to other cities, and the creation of a Bristol Prize award for the best new clean technology.

The funding will be matched by the private sector and the city itself estimates the drive could generate around £215 million for the UK, through inward investment, additional business turnover, higher exports and tourism.

Mr Alexander said: "I am delighted to be supporting the UK's first European Green Capital with extra funding that will enable Bristol to fulfil its full potential.

"It will also help build a stronger economy by boosting growth across key high-tech sectors and generate millions of pounds of new green investment."

Bristol was awarded its Green Capital status by the European Commission last year due to its success as an environmentally friendly city.